The Northwest Folklore Society presented a blues show on Wednesday night, November 24. Included in the show were performances by Washboard Willie, Willie “61” Blackwell, Sippie Wallace, Doctor Isaiah Ross, and climaxed by Little Sonny and the Rhythm Rockers. The show put on by the audience was disgusting.
Great effort was exerted on the part of Sam Stark, Roger Castle (advisors of the Northwest Folklore Society), and Ronny Harwood,(President of the society) in putting the show together, and for the small part of the audience actually interested in blues the efforts were worthwhile. However, for the vast majority, completely disinterested in blues, the evening was not a total waste. They managed to find things to do with the spare time they had between the opening of the show and the final performance by Little Sonny and the Rhythm Rockers.
Indeed, the resourcefulness of these young people was refreshing: during the show–they talked loudly, walked in and out continually, changed their seats, ate, drank, and made a little love. Of course, this activity made it a little difficult to hear or see anything coming from the stage, but these hearty children were undaunted by any protests. They had faith in their convictions, that’ they were far more wonderful than any blues singer could ever hope to be. When asked to be quiet, they made witty comments like, “These seats ain’t reserved, you can move.”
The entertainers made admirable efforts to communicate with the audience, but it was like a fisherman trying to hook a fish that had been floating, belly up, for three days. And if it weren’t for the brilliance of the performances, these dead fish would have spoiled the show for everyone. Yes, dear fish, you failed. It was a hard fight, but I managed to bring something away from that concert, in spite of your valiant efforts.
Luckily, it’s only at the “Northwest” Folklore Society that students can afford to pay $1.50 to sit and talk about absolutely nothing.